Paleontology on NM Public Lands

Public lands in New Mexico record a long history of life on Earth, locked in the sedimentary rocks exposed at the Earth’s surface. From the badlands of the San Juan Basin, through the valley fill deposits and uplifted mountains of the basin and range, into the Permian Basin and onto the High Plains, evidence of ancient life can occur.

Did You Know?

99 percent of all organisms that ever lived are believed to be extinct.

Less than 1 percent ever become fossilized.

Many of the fossils that you see in museums all over the country came from your public lands.